Using the biggest airshow in China as its stage, Fokker Technologies has signed a contract with Chinese commercial aircraft manufacturer COMAC. To be precise, the contract involves the Fokker Elmo business unit and COMAC subsidiary Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute (SADRI) for cooperation on the Electrical Wiring and Interconnection System (EWIS) of the ARJ21 regional jet (pictured).
For Fokker, this represents a significant next step in its collaboration with the Chinese aerospace industry and COMAC is the key player. The first aircraft to roll out of COMAC’s hangars is the aforementioned ARJ21. However, all (international) eyes are focused on the C919 160-seat jet that is set for entry into service in 2016. Development of these aircraft programs are not without hiccups, which is one of the reasons COMAC is so interested in bringing in international expertise. Fokker’s relationship with COMAC was already solidified last year, when a cooperation agreement was signed as part of the visit of Minister Verhagen of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.
More news on Dutch aerospace activities in China is expected so stay tuned.
Read the official press release here.